Stranger Things: The Game guide - tips and tricks for exploring Hawkins

Stranger Things season 2 debuts later this month, but if you’re dying to return to Hawkins, Indiana a bit sooner, Stranger Things: The Game has you covered. It’s an action adventure game featuring your favorite characters from the Netflix series, and it’s completely free.

Keeping with the series’ penchant for 80s nostalgia, the game is done up in pixel art that renders the show’s setting faithfully. The game’s a delight to play, too, though its open ended nature might keep you guessing at some points. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you play through the game.

Return to older levels

As your cast of characters expands naturally as you progress through the game, you’ll want to return to previous points in the game. Each character has their own set of unique abilities, so if you get a new character, it’s helpful to backtrack and try to access parts of the environment you might have been blocked off from before.

Avoid super strong enemies

Some enemies can’t be hurt, so don’t waste your time or risk your heart containers. Muscle men and bears in particular should be avoided if you can.

Collect all of the video tapes

You’ll find video tapes scattered throughout the game. Make sure you collect every single one of these. If you do so, you’ll be treated to a new preview of the show’s second season.

Did you uncover other strange secrets in Stranger Things: The Game? Share your own tips in the comments below.